Norwescon 9 Progress Report

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Title

Subject

Description

Source

Publisher

Northwest Science Fiction Society

Date

January 1986

Format

8.5x11 paper

Language

English

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Text

Norwescon 9 Progress Report

Guest of Honor Anne McCaffrey

Born on April 1st, Anne McCaffrey has tried to live up to her auspicious natal day. Her first novel was created in latin class and might have brought her instant fame, as well as an A, had she written in that ancient language. Much chastened, she turned to the stage and became a character actress, appearing in the first succesful summer music circus in Lambertsville, New Jersey. She studied voice for nine years and, during that time, became intensely interested in the stage direction of opera and operetta, ending that phase of her experience with the stage direction of the American premiere of Carl Orff's LUDUS DE NATO INFANTE MIRIFICUS in which she also played a witch.

By the time the three children of her marriage were comfortably in school most of the day, she had already achieved enough success with short stories to evote full time to writing. her first novel, RESTOREE, was written as a protest against the absurd and unrealistic portrayals of women in the SF novels of the 50's. It is, however, in the handling of broader themes and the worlds of her imagination, a particularly the two series (HELVA, THE SHIP WHO SANG, and the seven novels about the Dragonriders of Pern) that Ms. McCaffrey's talents as a storyteller are best displayed.

Between her appearance in the States, England, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Alaska as a lecturer and Guest-of-Honor at SF conventions, Ms. McCaffrey lives in a ranch-style bungalow in the hills of Wicklow County, Ireland. She runs a private livery stable and her three-day event horses have been successfully competing in International Competitions. She does not do the competition riding, she hastens to add, but enjoys the success of horse and rider, and the occasional canter on her favorite mount, a piebald mare named Pi.

Of herself, Ms. McCaffrey warns: "My eyes are green, my hair is silver and I freckle: the rest is still subject to change without notice."

Art GoH Kelly Freas

I hope this particular bio will not be too dry. But the list of honors and accomplishments by our Art Guest of Honor, Kelly Freas, is one of the most incredible that I have ever come across. Born in Hornell, NY on Aug 27, 1922, Kelly graduated from the Pittsburg Art Instittue in 1951. In 1952 he was married to Pauline (Polly) Bussard.

As a free-lance illustrator and book and magazine cover artist his work has been seen on Mad Magazine and Religious Art Franciscans. He has designed Space posters for the Smithsonian institute, 1971, the Skylab I insignia, 1974 and worked as a NASA artist.

Among his many awards are Hugos in 1955, 56, 58, 59, 70, 72, 73, 74, 74, & 1976, Frank R. Paul award, 1977, Ink Pot award, 1979, Skylark award of the New England Science Fiction Association, 1981, ROVA award, 1981, Lensman award, 1982. Phoenix award, 1982 and was named Dean of Science Fiction Artists in 1972. He is a member of SWFA and was president of the Association of Science Fiction Artists in 1982, 1983.

Science GoH James Oberg

Norwescon's second Science Guest of Honor, James Oberg, comes to us with a truly impressive list of credentials in the development of the US space program.

Born November 7, 1944 in New York City, James grew up in upstate New York. His education includes Ohio Wesleyan University (BA, mathematics, 1966, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, honors in mathematics and Russian, member of the five-time winning GE College Bowl IV quiz team), NASA trainee at Northwestern University (MS, Applied Math/Astrodynamics, 1970, worked on Jupiter swingby trajectories used in Voyager program for PhD coursework), University of New Mexico (MS, Computing Sciences, 1972). He then went into the United States Air Force (1970-1978) at the Air Force Weapons Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico (computer analyst in laser weapons design), Department of Defense Computer Institute, Washington, DC (instructor and curriculum developer in computer systems security and management applications), and at NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston (payload software development, then Mission Control support for on-board computers and developed the first in-flight computer change-out procedures. He was on the legendary "Silver Team" for first launch of the "Columbia" space shuttle, specializing in OMS/RC5 rocket control and propellant budget: was on STS-2 "Orbit" team during first operations of Remote Manipulator System mechanical arm: then transferred to rendezvous and "proximity operations" crew procedures development (as task manager) for "Challenger" mission STS-7 (June 1983 -- was a flight controller in Mission Control) and for preparations for critical "Solar Maximum Repair Mission" slated for April 1984. Was on mission control team for STS-6 (April 1983) when Rendezvous maneuvers were practiced (callsign "Rendezvous Support"). Developed requirements and plans for rendezvous practice target balloon deployed by STS 41-B (Feb 1984). Literally "wrote the book" on astronaut procedures for orbital rendezvous: also developed the monitoring displays and documentation for use in Mission Control during rendezvous operations. For this and earlier work, was awarded NASA-area council of Technical Societies' "Technical Man of the Year" honor, for 1984. In late 1983 was transferred to a top management team tasked to develop more streamlined Mission Operations Directorate Systems Division information and product flow for mission support operations (i:including a MCCV terminology standardized definition and glossary). For twelve months (1984-5) was on USAF Space Command contract, preparing designs and operations plans for shuttle control center in Colorado. Managing Editor of McDonnell Douglas local newsletter.

James is a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, British Interplanetary Society, Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, L-5 Society, National Association of Science Writers, Mutual UFO Network, Air Force Association and Amnesty International.

Our SGoH has appeared on every major television network, many national and international radio shows and several syndicated programs.

He also has served, and is serving in, various editorial capacities for a number of magazines. Thes include, Space World, Astronomy, Skeptical Inquirer, Aviation/Space and Military Science and Technology.

His Writings include several books including: Red Star in Orbit, New Earths, UFOs and Outer Space Mysteries, Mission to Mars, New Race for Space, and is currently preparing Embracing Space with his wife Alcestis. He has also published articles in Astronomy, Omni, Popular Science and Mechanix Illustrat.

He lives with his wife Alcestis R. ("Cooky") Oberg and two sons eight-year-old Gregory and infant John Nicholas on a 22-acre ranch in rural Galveston County, Texas, with numerous half-Arabian horses, dogs, some cats, and a big garden.

Fan GoH Greg Bennett

The Norwescon 9 committee is very happy to bring back our former Northwest fan leader, Greg Bennett as our Fan Guest of Honor.

Although Greg started this little old thing called Norwescon back in 1977, that's not his only claim to fame. He certainly hasn't been idle in the last 10 years or so. Let's take a peek at his past.

In 1973 Greg graduated with a BS in Astronautical and Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Illinois. Shortly after, he moved to the Pacific Northwest to take a job at Boeing.

the local Northwest chapter of the L-5 Society was one of the brainchildren of our FGoH. Founded in 1976, it was the first local L-5 chapter in the world.

He also decided that what the world needed was an SF Worldcon in Seattle and so was born the Seattle in '81 bid which Greg headed. In order to gather the experience and people t take on such a task, he started the Northwest Science Fiction Society in 1976 and co-chaired SeaCon 77. To get the "word" out to these people he published the NWSFS newsletter of which his Inverted Flight column was a regular feature for many years (and has a current one in this issue of Westwind).

Being chairman of all these organizations got him the nickname of "Chairman Wow!" from the committee members who knew this seemingly driven and complex personality so well.

Then in 1979 a dream come true happend for our "armchair adventurer". Gret was accepted as an employee of the McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co. and worked as the task leader for Space Station Orbital Operations at the Johnson Space Center. This required that Greg move to Houston, Texas, where he still works and resides. However, Greg knew he had club & fan responsibilities here in the NW. When Seattle lost the Worldcon bid to Denver that freed him from a major portion of them. He then spent the next several weeks turning over the reins of his many children (orgs) to the hands of the people that helped him start it all.

Since his move to Texas Greg has continued with a variety of interests. He married Melva Lund in 1980. They go out dancing often. Greg says that when living in Texas, going out dancing means C&W music...only. They meet socially with a group of fellow SF readers which they have dubbed The Play Group. Whether it's D&D, the Renaissance Fair or C&W dancing, this group does it together, including their big annual Halloween bash at Greg & Melva's home.

He has also, over the last few years, worked on the operations staffs of over half a dozen Worldcons and in 1982 was the director of Special Interest Programs at Chicon. Greg was one of the assistant program directors of this year's NASFIC. When he refused to take a title, the committee gave him one anyway, that of Gray Eminence. In addition he continues to do his traveling lecture on Space Industrialization ("L-5 stuff"). Of course he spends many an hour on the phone giving advice to his NW fan family on the running of the club and Norwescon as well as making his annual trip to Seattle in March to check up on his "brainchildren".

Greg's main interests in conventions are the people. So, if you want a real treat, just walk up to him at Norwescon and say "Hi Greg!" If you don't know where to take the conversation from this point, or if you're a little shy, don't worry, Greg's verbosity will take over from there.

Toastmaster Spider Robinson

What can one say about Spider Robinson, Norwescon's Toastmaster? Born in 1948, he lists his politics as "None whatever", his religion as "Pantheist/Humanist", and his address is Tettering-on-the-Brink, Nova Scotia. Sounds like this man is going to be interesting.

Among his activities and accomplishments he is Chairman of the board of directors of the Dance Advance Association (his wife, Jeanne is a dancer and dance teacher, among other things), member of the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia, and winner of various awards.

He received the John W. Campbell Award in 1974 for his short story "The Guy with the Eyes". For his novella, "Stardance", which he wrote with Jeanne, he has received Nebula, World Science Fiction Convention, and a Locus Award, all in 1977. He has also received Hugo Awards for "By Any Other Name" (Best Novella, 1976), "Melancholy Elephants" (Best Short Story, 1983). Other honors include the E. E. Smith Memorial Award (1977) and the Pat Terry Memorial Award (1977).

Perhaps best known for his collection of stories centered around Callahan's Crosstime Saloon he also has functioned as a book reviewer and critic, sometimes writing under the pseudonym B. D. Wyatt.

In a statement to Contemporary Authors Spider said: "Many SF writers have eloquently indicted mankind. I intend to spend my life presenting the case for the defense. I believe that shared pain is lessened, shared joy increased; I further maintain that to be a specific formula for saving the world. I find doom-crying (like all forms of despair) to be a cop-out, a personal irresponsibility the world can no longer afford."

Food Drive

During the days between Halloween and New Years, the "Holiday Season", most everyone is filled with the spirit of giving. It is the time of year when local food banks fill with this spirit from groups and individuals.

Life goes on after January 1, but unfortunately, the giving spirit does not. Food bank supplies quickly dwindle and many of their doors are first to close.

Let us, the Norwescon 9 membership, show the local community that "fans" are aware tat the needs of the needy are year long, that we may read about the future and of other worlds but have not forgotten the problems of today on our own planet Earth.

In the Red Lion Hotel convention lobby, during the 3 1/2 days of Norwescon 9, there will be a large container (can) available for donations of nonperishable foodstuffs. We hope to see it overflowing with fandom's spirit of giving. With an expected attendance of 2000 plus members, if everyone brought one or two (more if possible) items for the can, we as a group would feed many of the local hungry in the month of April. When you are packing your clothes, toothbrush and teddy dragon for your stay at Norwescon 9, do not forget to throw in that extra can of food.

Don't worry if you forget, there are plenty of stores within minutes of the Red Lion. Also, there will be a special can for cash donations near the food donations area. Just 25 or 50 cents can go a long way when multiplied by 2000 fans. Seattle's hungry needs your help. Thank you.

Programming

Michael Gilbert, director

The Norwescon 9 program will be an extravaganza in space and time. Our space is once again the cosmic Red Lion Inn and we plan to make full use of its dozens of program facilities. In the fourth dimension we stretch a full 3 1/2 days, from Thursday afternoon through Sunday night.

Our first priority is diversity. No time-bound human being could take in the entire convention, but the purpose of our program is to be the raw material out of which you make your own convention. We want it to be as frenetic or as relaxing as you wish. And we will offer every possible area of interest: science, literature, art, politics, writing, media, fanac, roleplay and whimsy.

Throughout the convention, we will be featuring an assortment of ongoing programs: three channel, 24-hour Video (piped to your hotel rooms and shown on big screens), a generous Hospitality Suite, hosted by our own "Dragon Lady", a 16mm Film program, The Norwescon Writers' Workshops, Art Demonstrations, Role Playing games, the Amateur Film Contest, Trivia Bowl, Readings and other single Pro sessions, a jampacked Dealers' Room, an Art Show that we are very proud of, our Costume Gallery, Computer Room and an entire track of Childrens' Programming. (Many of these are described in more detail elsewhere.)

Some day by day highlights are as follows: on Thursday, the convention begins in the evening with Opening Ceremonies, a sample of upcoming programming and a warm-up dance. Friday, the con blasts into full operation with more tracks than you can keep track of, and closing with the exciting Clarion West Auction, an enormous reception hosted by Writers of the Future and Norwescon's popular Stardance. We continue the pace on Saturday and wrap up with the Meet-the-Pros Autograph Party and the Masquerade Extravaganza. Since by this time we all begin to Stop Making Sense, that's the movie we'll show -- with dance floor, of course! The program continues through Sunday. Our banquet will provide the setting for our Guest of Honor Speeches and for the presentations of the Philip K. Dick Memorial Award for the best original paperback. The Closing Ceremonies officially end the convention, but not for those who go on to the cool-down dance and our Dead Sasquatch Party on the night of the full moon.

Aside from all of this, our members have never hesitated to make their own programming and that's part of Norwescon too!

Science Programming

Don Glover, Director

With the success of Science Programming last year, we are even more confident of having a great track of topics this year. To assume a chance of having an informative time we have chosen as our Science Guest of Honor James Oberg. He and his wife Cooky will be tantalizing your brain with topics which include the Russian Space Program, NASA, life "out there", the Space Station and cooking in space. Other speakers will come from a variety of places (and fields of science) including the University of Washington, Goldendale Observatory, and the Boeing Company.

Many, though not all, of the speakers will cover topics in the areas of astronomy, space and spacecraft, and computers. We hope, for instance, to set up a panel discussion involving astronomers, geologists, and biologists (among others) to discuss how to build habitable solar systems and planets, and what kind of critters would be happy there. We also plan to have some speakers talking about areas of science where amateur observations are still valuable. Astronomy is one example. There will also be a panel with an autopsy of a brain.

Though it is not firm yet, we hope to have speakers in the medical and biological areas, to discuss both what is new and what we still don't know. A lot of other possibilities are still in the works, including speakers to give the other side to the uncritical reports of the pseudo-science so common in grocery store tabloids and similar places. We will also have some slides of pretty and interesting objects which are common in science but often not as well known as they deserve.

There is still time to consider your (constructive) suggestions, especially if you have a lead on a potential speaker rather than just a subject. If there's something you want to hear about, please let us know.

Children's Programming

Immediately adjacent to our Child Care services, we will have a room devoted to a full track of programming for children. A mini-convention in itself, the Children's Program will include, storytelling, media events, role playing, costume construction, science experiments and a lot of just plain fun. The Children's Programming will run parallel to most major events of the rest of the con.

Banquet

The Norwescon 9 Banquet and GoH Speeches will be closed to all persons except those who are banquet ticket holders and those who are nominees and winners of the various awards presented at this time.

This year our banquet will be held sunday March 23, at approximately 12 noon (see pocket program for exact time). Limited seating is available. Besides a tasty meal in a relaxed atmosphere, you will also hear short talks from our Guests of Honor and the announcement of the Art Show and Masquerade winners. You will also hear who is the recipient of the Philip K. Dick Memorial Award.

Your choice of entree will include Homestyle Pot Roast or Fillet of Sole Almondine and will be accompanied by whole buttered potatoes, green beans with mushrooms, tomato florentine, green salad with choice of dressing, Red Lion rolls and butter and coffee, tea or milk, and for those who want to partake there will be no-host wine available. Kosher and vegetarian meals are available upon special request.

You may purchase your ticket anytime between now and Norwescon as well as at the con. Cost is $8.75 per person. For advance tickets, fill out the Sunday Banquet form included with this Progress Report and mail with your check or money order (U.S. funds) to Norwescon 9 Banquet, [address omitted].

Hospitality

The Dragon Lady, Hostess

There is good news for those of you whose feet still ache from the long hike to the Norwescon 8 Hospitality Suite. The suite has moved to 3 of the Apollo Rooms. Being located in Wing 7 of the Red Lion it will be much closer to the main programming area.

The hours of operation will remain the same as last year, from the excruciatingly painful hour of 9 a.m. or thereabouts, to the dead-beat, get-out-of-here-I-want-to-go-to-bed hour of 2 a.m. we will happily serve you. The menu will be mostly the same, consisting of whatever is on sale that week, and whatever we feel like assembling. There will also be a special drink of the night. Please be sure to bring your ID, as no one will be served without proper proof of legal drinking age. Be prepared to leave your car keys with us if you drink too much and don't have a room in the hotel. We all would get vey depressed if you smashed yourself or someone else to pieces. Don't think that it can't happen to you!

And now onto the subject that I really dislike to mention. We strictly operate on donations and rely on you to keep us open. Please don't become angry if we run out of beer and you have only put in your loose change and pocket lint for a night of drink. It is unfair for a small percentage of heavy contributors to pay the way for everyone. Please remember to throw in a little something (not too little though) for each drink, can of pop, or edible that you take. There is a Hospitality budget that gets us started in the beginning, but each day's donations determine what can be purchased for the next day. I don't like to beg, but I don't like to run a cheap party either. If you want us to have something other than generic beer and generic potato chips, please start putting a little something aside especially for donations. We want everyone to be able to have what they want, and we will accept travelers checks. Hint, hint. Thank you, and thank you for your support.

Writing Workshops

by Michael Scanlon

Once again, Norwescon will have writing workshops for the purpose of allowing aspiring writers to get commentary on their works from someone other than friends and relatives. The workshops will be much the same as in the past few years - about six people in each workshop, three aspiring writers and three experienced wordhandlers. In addition, a poetry workshop is planned for aspiring poets.

Here are the rules:

Stories submitted must be science fiction or fantasy.

Stories submitted must be no longer than 3,000 words. Poetry workshop submissions must be no more than ten (10) pages of verse, total.

All submissions must be in a standard manuscript format. (Typed, double spaced, starting half-way down the first page for stories, with name, some part of title and the page number on the upper right hand of each page, and with name, address and title on the front page of the story.)

The deadline for submissions to the writing workshops is March 1, 1986. Send seven copies of the manuscript to Norwescon ([address omitted]), marked "ATTN: Writing Workshop".

Convention Services

Judy Suryan, Director

There are six sections under the heading of Convention Services. This department is the backbone of the convention. With their 300 plus volunteers, these sections are the ones that execute all the plans that the committee has been making for the past year. Each section has three to ten departments under them. Not all will be listed in this column.

If by some slightest chance you find yourself with some idle time, we'd like to get your motor running (snicker). Come and see us in the Convention Services office, Room 2106. We'll help you find your volunteer niche.

Static Programming

Jeanine Gray, Section Chief

Static Programming is not programming that needs its rabbit ears antenna adjusted, it's programming that stays in the same room or area throughout Norwescon.

The most static programming of all is the Art Show. It stays where it's hung at the beginning of the convention and doesn't move until the weekend is over.

The Dealers' Room is almost as static as the Art Show, but with all the collectors and other buying types milling around, and with all that money changing hands, it looks as static as gaming.

if you hadn't been told that Gaming is Static Programming, you probably wouldn't have guessed. Gaming is like a three-ring, (three floor), circus. There are many different games running day and night, most of them at the same time.

Following the tradition of past Norwescons, this year's COMPUTER ROOM is bigger and better than ever before. Chris Rimple and TUG will have more remote terminals placed throughout the hotel than last year. There will be video displays with messages and events listed for your edification. Located in Wing 7 Apollo Rooms, Hardware and Software buffs will never want to leave this room. We'd better not say anything more about static: (computer equipment doesn't like static you know).

The COSTUME GALLERY, capably administrated by Julie Zetterburg and Sue Taubeneck, will be in a larger Mercury room this year. There will be more room for you to ogle and AH! over more costumes. Some of the costumers will be on hand to answer your questions and/or help solve your costuming dilemmas. Photography is encouraged, but please no smoking, food, drink or touching.

The DEALERS' ROOM will, once again, be located in Galaxy 1 and 2 ballrooms. Linda Bray is in charge of the approximately 4100 square feet of space. Over 60 dealer tables will be piled with books, art, jewelry, glassware, gaming and costuming accoutrements.

Our games hostess, Shadowhawk welcomes you to NORWESCON GAMES '86. The game track this year promises to be a real "quality" event. As you all know, we've grown quite a lot in the past 3 years. We have matured: metamophisising from some mysterious folk reciting litanies of numbers to the clacking of falling dice in a smokey back room, to a full-fledged track of programming, well-woven through the whole cloth of the best convention in the Northwest.

So far this year we have:

More space! Games will occupy all 3 levels of the back hall parlour this year. There ought to be plenty of room for everyone.

More programming! A spicy blend of events that should please even the most jaded of tastes as well as tantilize the pallets of newcomers and the curious. Tentative (programming cannot be finalized until mid-Feb.) events include: DR. WHO, CAR WARS, DARKOVER, THE FANTASY TRIP, CHAMPIONS, STAR TREK, TRAVELLER, SPACE OPERA, RUNEQUEST, ADVANCED D & D, and DRAGONRIDERS OF PERN.

Tournaments! Two Advanced D&D Tournaments plus Champions will be featured. More are being sought since we will have enough space to support them.

Prizes! We'll have sponsored prizes of books and games and some real trophies! The winners will receive a gold-tone medallion with a winged victory figure on the face.

And we still need more! Gaming will run on a 24-hour schedule throughout the convention. If you can "monitor" or run a game and would like to help please call [omitted] between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Ask for Shadowhawk and tell whoever answers that the call is Norwescon business.

One last note - we will have a larger staff with a simple (computerized) event sign-up and a posted schedule big enough for a mole to read without glasses! Our program booklet will be smaller, but the artwork by Mair is fantastic. All told, it's going to be great.

Art Show & Print Shop

This year the NORWESCON ART SHOW, headed by Michael Brocha, will be located in the Saturn Rooms, on the second floor of the Red Lion. These are different rooms from last year, and are a little more spacious. There will again be over 1000 square feet of display with an additional 1000 feet for Art Demonstrations and programming. The show ill be open for setup on Thursday from 7-10 p.m. and on Friday until 2 p.m.m and then open up to the general public after that. There will be an artists' reception and an art auction as usual.

The art will be sold by both auction and direct sale. Last chance for written bidding will be Sunday morning and all pieces with three or more bids will be sold through the voice auction. Art with one or two bids will be sold to the higher bidder. Art that is offered for direct sale will be available Saturday after 2 p.m., only if it has no written bids. Art being sold on Saturday is an effort to ease both buyers' and artists' minds, and allows for most of the attending membership to arrive at the convention and view the show. Completed rules will be listed in the Program Book and available at the show.

Hanging space is still available for $10 per 4' by 4' panel or 2 1/2' by 3' half table. There is a limit of 2 panels or 1 full table per artist. Yes, you may reserve 1 panel and 1 half-table. There will be an additional 10% commission on anything sold through the show.

This year will mark the debut of a 'print shop', at Norwescon. Prints will be hung with the artists' regular panel and are direct sale only if there are multiple copies available. If the print is the only copy available through the show it may be available through auction or direct sale as any other artwork. There is a limit of 3 different prints per artist to be sold through the print shop. Available copies will be art the Art Show Registration Desk and should be asked for there.

Full payment must be received to reserve space in the Art Show. The deadline for reservations is February 28, but the show is expected to sell out of space before that time.

Please do not mail-in art unless you have confirmation of your reservation. With your confirmation will come more information, including where to send art by mail and bid sheets and control and print shop sheets. For more information contact Michael J Brocha [address omitted] or phone [omitted]. This is one of those infuriating answering machines and is more likely to talk to you than Michael himself (picks up on the third ring. No collect calls please).

Site Services

Don Glover, Section Chief

Site Services encompasses those Departments that are here to help make your time at the convention a little easier. The Sercurity, Troubleshooting, Sign Set-up and Maintenance Departments comprise Site Services. We are some of the most visible of the convention staff. You will see a security person at the door of every programming room. Troubleshooters will be roaming the halls of the convention making sure everyone is have a good (and safe) time. It will be almost impossible to attend the convention without meeting one of these good people at least once. Say "Hello", they are there to help you and are rarely known to bite. If you would like to know more about these departments please read on. What you learn may tantalize you.

TROUBLESHOOTERS roam the hotel attempting to insure the safety and pleasure of the passengers at the convention. Troubleshooters seem to be everywhere. This department will be ever more present this year to see to the well being of the convention and conventioneer.

SECURITY will be there as usual, checking badges, making sure that items that are supposed to stay put do indeed stay put and the like. A convention without security is like a day without Anne McCaffrey, or some such thing. Any way please remember that our Security volunteers are there to help us. This year we will have a separate Security Office open all night to better serve you.

Last year MAINTENANCE was a new department at Norwescon. There job is to chip away at the ever growing pockets of trash, much like Oxy-10 takes care of acne. All of us can help this department by doing a little self policing of our own messes. We are still looking for leadership in this area so we would like to hear from all of you Felix Unger types out there.

SIGNS is a department you should all appreciate. They end up tellin gyou where to go, where to stick it and what to do with it once you have found it. Signs are everywhere. If you need to know something signs will more than likely tell you what you need to know or where to find a person who can.

This year we are instituting a new policy at Norwescon. In the past PEACEBONDING of weapons has been unnecessary and we have relied on the honor system for weapons. Unfortunately we have grown too large and we had too many silly accidents at Norwescon 8.

I would like to explain a little what is entailed with this new policy. When you enter the convention you will be asked if your costume includes weapons or staffs, real or toy. If you answer affirmative to any of these questions you will be asked to step over to the PeaceBonding desk to have your weapons PeaceBonded. Weapons may also be PeaceBonded at Operations and at the Security Office. If the policies of PeaceBonding are violated, actions will be taken to insure the safety of the other conventioneers. These actions will range from a warning, up to requesting for the Red Lion Hotel security to expel you from the premises. It is unfortunate that the actions of a inconsiderate few have forced this new hard-nosed attitude, but with the amount of blood I saw last year I feel it is necessary.

As usual we will provide a room for a display session of the weapons. Within the privacy of your own room you may be as unsafe as you wish. All we ask is that you leave the insanity out of public and uncontrolled areas. Thank you for your cooperation. It is appreciated by all Norwescon attendees.

Properties

"Snake" Clayton, Section Chief

This is the unseen section of Norwescon. It's purpose is to store, handle, control and distribute all audio-visual equipment that supports programming and the special events during the four days of Norwescon 9. PROPERTIES interface closely with the tech people who set up the equipment in the rooms.

Once again, Lauraine Miranda's smiling face will be greeting you at the door of the NWC CLOAK ROOM. Located across the hall from the Galaxy 1 Ballroom, this is where you can check your coat and other items while you go and have fun. This is a free service for our attendees. However, we are not a substitute for a room or food locker. Attempts to use the room as such will be refused. Cloak Room hours will be posted at the Cloak Room and listed in the Program Book. Please, if you use the room, be sure we will be open when you need to pick up you property. Thank you. Note: We reserve the right to refused the use of the Cloak Room at anytime.

The LOST AND FOUND will be open during the Cloak Room hours and is also located in the same place. If you find anything looking lost, please bring it by. If you have lost something, check with us, maybe someone has, or will, turn it in to us. During closed hours other arrangements will be made. Contact the Convention Services Office for access at these times.

Office Services

Sheila Glassburn, Section Chief

Although we can't exactly say that the office staff works behind closed doors, a lot of what is done there is invisible to most of the convention attendees. It is the nexus of all the service departments and staff working for you at Norwescon. All staff functions and program events are coordinated through the office.

Our GOFER crew of volunteers will be headed by Becky Simpson. It may not sound to glamorous but it is a very necessary part of the staff. An on duty gofer may be asked to do anything from picking up trash, or doing security and stage management to escourting one of our pros around the convention or Seattle! Anything can happen and usually does. Let us know if you'd like to be part of the team.

Because Norwescon has gotten bigger and more confusing, its INFORMATION DEPARTMENT is getting better at getting and giving info. When you stop by the Information Table in the convention lobby, Vicki Glover and her staff of informed volunteers, will give help with directions or will figure out what's on the program. They will give you advice on a nearby place to eat, sights and events in Seattle and Washington and bus and ferry routs and their schedules. You can stop by for bandages, aspirin and the like or peruse the myriad of flyers and publications. This is the place to go to sign up for the Masquerade or Fannish Olympics if you just want someone to chat with for a few minutes. There will be a large bulletin board to leave messages on, an up-to-date program schedule and a large map of the hotel to help you even when the Information Table is closed. If you like to tell people where to go and what to do when they get there, or consider yourself a know-it-all, you too can be a part of the gang. Just call Vicki at [omitted].

Now that "V" has been cancelled, you can't find "Lost in Space" reruns anywhere and you're getting a little tired of science fiction that's all fluff and no substance, what's left in fandom? Drop by the NEWCOMER'S ROOM and find out all the really exciting and interesting things fandom has to offer you. Christine Matson and company will be there, ready to introduce you to the many faces of fandom. If you're brand new to all this strangeness, they will be there with a smile, a place to sit and someone to talk to about the culture shock of conventions. Find out we are not so strange after all, but really a lot of fun!

Keith Marshall will head our crew in the MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. They are trained to handle medical emergencies. With an expected attendance of between 2000 and 3000, it is a much needed addition to the Norwescon services. If you, a friend or fan become ill or injured, please contact the Norwescon Convention Services, Room 2106 as soon as possible and we will send help immediately. For less serious medical problems, come in to 2106 and you'll be helped there.

Media Section

Mark Schellburg, Chris McDonnell, Co-Section Chiefs

Once again, Norwescon Media Services will have three 24-hour video channels. This year, the network will feature many of our normal motion pictures, plus a good selection of unorthodox movies for those with unusual tastes.

Those of you who want to avoid using binoculars to see the masquerade may watch it on the network. Our video crew plans a spectacular set-up to give you a front seat view in the comfort of your own room.

Another popular Media Services attraction is the NORWESCON AMATEUR FILM CONTEST. Hosted by Jim Cobb, this contest has drawn a wide variety of films from all over the Northwest. Although the rules are the same as last year's contest, the cash prizes aren't. To sweeten the pot, this year's winners will win more than ever.

Anyone interested in entering this year's contest should contact the contest director, Jim Cobb at [omitted] or write Amateur Film Contest, [omitted].

Lastly, those of you who are fans of our 16MM FILM PROGRAM can expect the usual collection of film shorts and movie classics.

Program/Stage Services

Michael Citrak, Section Chief

Michael and his teams of volunteers are some of the most visible at Norwescon. Without them and the lighting sound and stage equipment our programming could not be presented.

Beth Dockins heads the STAGE MANAGEMENT Department. She, along with her crew make sure programmed events start and end on time. They check in panelists and moderators and see that any and all necessary audiovisual equipment is present. Because this department is involved with almost all events at Norwescon its need of people is especially felt. here is a great way for you to volunteer to help and still enjoy the programming.

The TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT is the hands and feet of Program/Stage Services. Led by Keith Johnson, this group of skilled people transport, set up and operate the audiovisual equipment for the various panels and events. Keith also mixes all music for the Stardance and most of the music for the masquerade. This is an exciting and fast paced job. If you with to help, please let us know via the club P.O. Box, Attn. Keith.

The 1986 FANNISH OLYMPICS should prove to be the best yet. Our host for this event, Mark Richardson, is planning more prizes, more teams and more fun for all. This year, ten five-being teams have been invited from in and around the universe. The defending champs will have more and stiffer competition. But as you know, sign-up for the Fannish Olympics is at the convention on a first-come, first-serve basis. So if you have a club or other organized group, "go for it." Sign up at either the Information Desk or Registration. Good luck to all. For more info on this wild and crazy event, call Mark at [omitted].

The Norwescon staff has developed a set of rules for PERSONA GAMES. These rules are geared so other Norwescon guests are not disturbed by the games and yet keep the game enjoyable for participants. If you have a group wanting to participate in a persona game, the NWC Convention Services must be informed at least two weeks prior to the Con. Please contact Michael Citrak via the club P.O. Box, Attn: Persona Games. (You'll be sent a copy of the rules.) Your group must also register with Convention Services when you arrive at the hotel.

One of the highlights of Norwescon is our spectacular STARDANCE. Michael, Keith, Peter, Paul and company will dazzle your sight with lights and fill your ears with oceans of booggieful music. This group of talented fans plan to fill your Friday evenings with dancing, partying and silliness. Don't miss your chance to be a part of the fun.

Masquerade

The outrageously competent Masquerade Committee Captained by Commodore Canterbury, will again engineer the presentation of the world renowned NORWESCON MASQUERADE. This spectacular event will take place in the Universe Ballrooms 2 and 3 on Saturday March 22 at 9:00 p.m.

The identity of Judges and MC have yet to be determined, but the format and scheduling are as follows:

Divisions -

Science Fiction Fantasy World of Pern

Categories -

Fantasy Theme Character from a Book Media Character Humorous Performance World of Pern Best of Show

There will be three place-awards for all categories: medallions, certificates, and goodies and cash. Only one award will be given for Guest of Honor Favorite and Best of Show categories.

Prejudging will be available, depending on judges schedules during the registration hours. On site only registration with Masquerade office will be from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Universe Ballroom 3. It is requested that contestants sign up at the Information Table in the convention lobby before 3 p.m. on Saturday, but it is not required.

Your maximum presentation time is 2 minute. Any exceptions must be prenegotiated with the Masquerade Committee. Note from Kitty: Be your usual wildly creative selves.

For further information write to Kitty Canterbury, [ommitted] or call Kitty at [omitted].

SPECIAL FUNCTION

This year for Norwescon, there is a FREE service being offered for Masquerade contestants who would like a pre-recorded presentation to go along with their costume. If you have music you would like recorded and edited please let us know.

Keith Johnson, who is doing sound for out event will be happy to produce a high-quality presentation specifically suited to your "other persona". This is a totally FREE service to help make this year's masquerade the best possible. For further information, call Keith at [omitted] evenings and [omitted] from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If You Want A Better Deal, Go See Cal!

The NWC 9 committee decided it was high time we did something for the con goer, that take the time to comment themselves to the task of making the convention more enjoyable and safer for themselves as well as their fellow fans. This year we have arranged for a special programming event for the NWC 9 Volunteer Staff Only.

This will be the second year that Norwescon will be at our big beautiful Red Lion Hotel. For the NWC staff the key word in that sentence is "big". Everything starts with "big" or "more"..."more" function rooms, "big" space in function rooms, "more" sleeping rooms, "more" square footage, "more" attendance, "big" headakes. Why headakes you ask. It is because there is one "more" we lack...enough volunteer staff.

On Sunday afternoon, all of the NWC 9 Guests of Honor will gather in one place. This is your time to visit with them and collect a few autographs that you missed earlier. Only people with NWC 9 volunteer staff I.D. will be allowed to enter this room. (If you have any requests for other NWC 9 pros to be there at the gathering, please let us know. We will do our best to arrange for them to be there.)

There will be a door prize presented at this time - $50.00 worth of "funny money" to spend anywhere in the Dealers Room you choose. You will only have a couple of hours before the Dealers room closes so you'll have to work fast! I know, its a tough job but somebody has to do it. And there is no one more qualified than one of our volunteer staff.

We are also planning a Volunteer appreciation Dinner and Dance during the month of May, a picnic in August and various gathering and meetings throughout the year. Of course you will receive the NWC 9 Post Con Report and Volunteer Thank You in the May Westwind.

The NWC 9 volunteer staff is a close knit group of fans within a large family...the NWC family. You can be a part of our group too. All it takes is a minimum of three hours of your time at NWC, the length of one shift.

Give us a call (or write) today. Below is a list of the NWC 9 con codmmittee, their positions and some of the departments they oversee. You may write to any of them c/o NWC 9, [omitted] or call them at the number listed. If you are unsure what you would like to volunteer for or if you have questions please call Bob and Judy Suryan and they will put you in contact with the right person.

NORWESCON has immediate openings for slave labor. No experience necessary! On the job training. Great fringe benefits! The pay is lousy (egoboo and other intangibles), but there is plenty of room for advancement to a position that will eat up all your space time for half the year instead of just during the convention. So, if you would like to be a part of the ongoing convention planning and preparation, or if you would rather just work with a shift at registration, gofer, security, operations, projectionists, or dungeonmaster during the con, please feel free to volunteer via a note to NORWESCON, [omitted] or phone the appropriate person on the above phone list. And remember, NORWESCON is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex species, Federeation alliances, temporal displacement or physical dimensions.

Convention Registration (for anyone other than Dealers, Guests and Panelists who have separate registration areas) will be located near or in the CONVENTION lobby on the ground floor. This is not the same as the HOTEL Registration lobby. Signs will be posted to direct you. Registration is divided into Pre-registered and Pay-at-the-door sections. If you mail in your registration money by March 1, 1986, you are pre-registered. If you have not mailed your money in by March 1, you should go to the Pay-at-the-door table and pay at that time.

Table one will sell Norwescon 9 at-the-door registrations and NWSFS memberships. Table two will be for Norwescon 9 pre-registered members check-in, and table three will sell Norwescon 9 Banquet tickets, Norwescon 10 memberships and NWSFS memberships.

NORWESCON DOES NOT REFUND MEMBERSHIPS. Should you sell or transfer your membership, please remember to notify us in writing prior to the con, so we know the 'new' member is legit.

Any specific Norwescon registration problems, either before the Con or at the door, will be handled by Carolyn. She may be written to at [omitted].

Due to the large number of attendees we are expecting this year, registration shifts for workers are only three hours long. Therefore, we will be needing more workers this year. Please, please volunteer.

[Membership listing omitted.]

NORWESCON at the Red Lion

by Judy Suryan

Do you know what the first thing most of the con comm said at the post con meeting for Norwescon 8? "God, My feet still hurt!" I can bet that was what most people said after their first four day marathon at the Sea Tac Red Lion Inn.

Well the hotel has not gotten any smaller. In fact, by the time Norwescon 9 arrives there in March it will have increased its possible function rooms from 27 to a total of 32. The Red Lion has over 800 sleeping rooms and is currently the largest hotel in the Red Lion chain and the largest hotel in the Pacific Northwest overall. It not only has a 14 story tower, it is spread out over a three city block area. All of the function rooms are on the first and second floors of the tower or on the main floors of the Wings.

In addition to its suites at the regular hotel rates, the Red Lion has four Handicap rooms at the same $56.00 per night convention rate and eleven family suites (rooms with an extra bedroom) at a slightly higher charge. Fill out and mail your hotel reservation card included with this Progress Report. Or you may call in your reservation at [omitted]. Read on for info on party and quit wings for Norwescon guests.

This year we have all function space for all four days (a problem last year) and we have a better feel of the hotel and its room lay out. We hope that those of you who are returning for a second year to Norwescon at the Red Lion will feel more comfortable as well. However, just to keep you on your toes the committee decided to move the Norwescon events to new locations. Actually we didn't make these moves just to confuse you. We made them for the usual reasons: some events will work better somewhere else, or we have a room we didn't have last year, or we need more space for this, less for that or...well you get the idea.

Our Norwescon 9 room block will still be in the hotels sleeping wings. The wings allow more privacy for us and the mundanes in other parts of the hotel. The beauty of this set up is that there is no place in the hotel you have to use an elevator to get to.

The hotel staff has been very helpful with all of our plans. They are ready to tackle the problems of handling our needs. I would like all of us to be as cooperative with the hotel as we can. The following is a list of suggestions and some do and don'ts to make life easier for everyone during your stay at Norwescon 9.

PARKING

The Red Lion has 1000 parking stalls. Park only in designated parking places. I still refuse to run around the hotel warning people to move their cars. Anyone found double parking or blocking fire lanes will be subject to towing without notice.

RESTAURANTS - dress code

There are three restaurants within the hotel. The coffee shop is open from 5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Check the times for the other two restaurants: Pippins and Maxi's. Warning: There is a dress code for Maxi's restaurant. Costumes are not allowed.

CHILDREN AT NWC

There is no charge for children 12 and under attending NWC 9. However all children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times regardless of whether they have a fully paid membership or not (under 12 NWC 9 staff helpers are exempt from this rule only while on duty). Adults not able to keep a check on the children they are responsible for will be asked to leave the convention. This rule is not only for the peace of other NWC members, but more importantly it is for the safety of the children. Not every person is safe (note even fans), and in a hotel the size of the Red Lion there will be a lot of people who are not con goers. If you see a child not attached to a grown-up please report this to the NWC Convention Services office, Room 2106 in wing 2. Thank you.

RESPONSIBLE DRINKING

You have no doubt heard all the talk in the news media about drinking and driving. In fact, it has had a positive effect since the number of DWI deaths on the highways have been reduced. We hope that this public awareness has reached the members of SF fan conventions. If you plan to drink please, please do not drive. At the bar in Hospitality and in the Con Services Office there will be tags that say "I'm Driving" at no charge. if you must leave the hotel please wear one. this way we can all help you stay away from the bubbly (whatever form it takes).

There is another topic under the heading of responsible drinking which is a sometimes touchy subject...persons under 21 indulging in alcohol and other drugs. We the NWC Con Committee are realistic enough to know that if a young adult is determined to drink, we will not always be able to stop them. Responsible imbibing (not getting falling down drunk: becoming a menace to yourself and everyone else in the hotel and on the highways) will not be noticed as much and the heavy hand of the hotel detective and/or our Site Services head Don Glover will not be felt. The ID required rule at NWC Hospitality room will be strictly enforced. We have a Washington State Banquet License and this is to protect us from legal hassles. We want all of our members to have a good time at NWC and we want you all to return home safely. As members of the same fan family we must all share the task of keeping each other happy and unharmed. Please read on.

ROOM AND HALL PARTIES

Room and Hall parties are a very important part of Fan Conventions. A few things to know to help make them enjoyable and safe for everyone: Room and hall parties are restricted to wings 6 and 7, Norwescon 9 Hospitality will be in wing 7. No alcohol is allowed beyond these. If you are planning to have a room party, request a "party wing" when you make your hotel room reservations. If you do not want to be anywhere near the parties request a "quiet wing". A warning to room party hosts: we suggest you keep a watch on who is grabbing a drink off the table or a beer from the tub. The laws in Washington State say that if you were the supplier of alcohol to minors or to someone who is already drunk and they in turn go and hurt themselves or others, you too are responsible for their actions. you can also be fined for contributing to the delinquincy of a minor.

SLEEPING IN THE HALLS

The most important word on this subject is DON'T. It is sometimes very disturbing to find bodies in the halls or stairwells. Troubleshooters are working 24 hours a day. They walk all the halls of the hotel keeping a check on things. If someone is found in one of these situations they will be asked to move on.

Plan ahead! If you cannot afford a room of your own, make arrangements to stay with friends and share expenses. If you find that you may have drunk too much and do not want to chance driving, come to convention services and we will try and help you. There will be a bulletin board in the main con lobby near the Information Table for you to place notices asking for or offering crash space and to share expenses. The convention will also have limited crash space available on request for a minimal charge.

Last but not least, be nice to one another. Everyone of us will be in a hectic and energy charged environment. We are all members of the same Norwescon family. Being polite and courteous to one another and taking care of your other family members needs and feelings will make everyone comfortable in our new home the Red Lion.

The Norwescon Convention Committee is planning to make a special effort to see that all of you have a good convention and we will even smile at you a time or two. We hope you will do the same. See you all at Norwescon 9!

Getting There

The Red Lion provides a free shuttle van from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to the hotel. Although the hotel is close to the Airport, there are no sidewalks and a very busy highway between them, so if you fly in, call the hotel from the Airport and have them pic you up. Pickup area is outside on the ground floor of the Airport, which is where the baggage pickup carousels are also located.

If you are driving on I-5 from all points north and south you should take the exit marked 188th St. and head West down 188th to the corner of 188th and Pacific Hwy South (Hwy 99). The Red Lion will be on your right. You can't miss it.

Journeying south (and then westward) on I-405, you will observe it to metamorphose suddenly into Hwy 518 at the Southcenter Shopping Mall. Don't panic! Just proceed for about another mile, take the Hwy 99 Southbound exit, and head south to 188th St. The Red Lion will be on your left.

Those arriving in downtown Seattle by train, boat or bus can take a taxi or bus to the hotel. (Taxis will be very very expensive.)

Busing to the Red Lion is simple. Coming from Seattle, take a #174 to Sea-Tac. DO NOT get on a 174 EXPRESS, you may never be seen again. Downtown, the 174 runs west down Stewart St. and south on Second Ave. The 174 stops at every other bus stop downtown (they are marked). The Greyhound station at 9th and Stewart is on the bus line, and the King Street AMTRAK station is one block away from the 2nd and Jackson stop. From the ferries go east up the hill to 2nd Ave.

Bus fare from Seattle is 75 cents during non-peak hours and weekends, and 90 cents during peak hours, Monday through Friday, 6-9 AM and 3-6 PM. If you get on before 6th and Stewart, you pay then and get a paid transfer coupon. Otherwise you pay when you get off at the Red Lion. (Downtown Seattle is a "Free-Ride" area.)

Coming from Eastside, Renton, or Burien areas take a #240 bus. It connects with many other bus lines along the way. The 240 will only take you to 176 and Pacific Hwy S., so you will either have to transfer onto #174 or walk the 10 blocks to the Red Lion. Fare is 50 cents normally and 60 cents Monday through Friday 6-9AM and 3-6 PM.

The #174 stops right in front of the Red Lion. Metro's information number is [omitted] if you need more help.